"Healed" rib fracture or...??

[LeahM]

Hey all,

Long time no talk...but don't think I haven't been lurking.

I recently had a bone scan. It was ordered in March when I saw my rad onc and complained of left rib pain that I felt sure was regenerating nerve pain. I didn't have the scan until right before I saw my med onc in May. During that time the right side of my ribs began to hurt too. I didn't see any MD's in between the time of rad onc and med onc so the only people I told about the right rib was my therapist (that's another story) and my family.

So the scan shows something on the right 4th rib. It could be a "healed" fracture but because of my history they suggested a follow up xray. I had that thinking I'd get a definitive answer but no...they see something on that too which could be a "healed" rib fracture but based on my history blah blah blah.

So 5 different oncs discuss this (three are mine) and they are all in agreement that it is a "healed" rib fracture. My rad onc is now on vacation oversees and will call me in a week or two to discuss whats next.

I believe it will be a rescan at some point.

But here is the thing. I don't remember hurting a rib. And if it is "healed" why do I have pain. Sudden pain. One day no pain, the next day pain. It isn't excruciating but it does hurt and if I press on it it hurts more.

I almost feel as if the oncs think I am "crying wolf".

I have Dr Googled rib fracture and bone mets but now I am asking the experts. Any knowledge you can pass to me would be greatly appreciated. BTW, my last CA-15 was "12"

Leah

[Becky]

I wonder if a PET/CT scan would clear things up.

[LeahM]

Becky would either of those give me the definitive answer I'm looking for?
Thanks
Leah

[Becky]

I am not sure. Healing also has a stronger uptake of glucose so it might glow just as cancer does. I would talk to your onc and have him take a look. I had a similar situation when I was a few years out but it was my lung. I had one of those coronary artery CT scans. That result was great but the scan got some of my right lung in the shot that showed "something" . I had those scans send to my rad onc and medical onc who said it was scarring from an pnemonia which I had had a bad one years be fore. Maybe theres someone who can look at it and say.

As for breaking it in the first place, did you have a bad cough, lift something too heavy, bump into something. Did someone hit into you. The weirdest things can happen. My mom broke a rib coughing and didnt know until weeks later when it hurt so bad we took her to the ER.

[tricia keegan]

Leah I went through a similar thing a few years ago, I had a load of scans but none were definitive, I finally had to wait six weeks for a biopsy but it was deemed too small for that. My Onc then ordered a PET/CT which was clear and she felt I was fine and cancer free which was around six years ago I think.

I know it's worrying and we always will when getting these pains, hoping for some clear results and answers for you soon, I think in my case it was Sciatica that lit up as I've been suffering with attacks of it ever since, but better than cancer!

[Mtngrl]

Leah,

I have nothing to add, just want you to know I read your post and I'm pulling for you.

Amy

[LeahM]

Thanks Ladies,

Every time I have asked med onc about PET scan he says my labs are good so why go looking for trouble? I respect the man but sometimes feel he has an old school "let ME worry about it"" attitude. I have followed his advise for the past (almost) two years since ending Herceptin.

Yes, I did have a very bad cold this past winter plus took a hard hit to the ground while sledding over an ice ramp (I really don't recommend anyone ever do that) but both were months ago. Months and months ago.

But....I swear that now, after BMX 3 years ago and reconstruction 2 years ago, I am getting sensation back in my upper torso. Pins and needles tingling. Itchy itchy itchy foobies.

One of my favorite infusion nurses texted today to remind me that MD's have to say "we can't rule out" because of our highly litigious society and I understand that but..still....it doesn't help calm my nerves.

I guess now I wait. Wait for rad onc to come back from vacation (I am not scheduled to see her until March 2016) and wait to see if pain goes away or gets worse. What else can I do?

But here is the question I have for rad onc when she is back...If I didn't have "History" what would she think that black spot on my bone scan and xray is? What would be her first thought?

And I'm sorry I've been so absent lately. I have been here (I can't drag myself away for long) but quiet. I know exactly what is going on with our posting members, new and old, and continue to pray daily for all of us.

Leah

[suzan w]

Hey! I can't comment on your sore rib...except that waiting is awful. I wish nothing but good news for you! I want to comment on your feelings returning after 3 years, I am still regaining feeling after almost 10 years out!! Usually starts with a crazy phantom itch...then strange tingling, followed by sensitivity...and...bingo.. feeling where there once was numb. What a trip this has been...nothing surprises me anymore. XXOO

[forher]

Hi LeahM, I read over your signature and I noticed that you had severe vitamin D deficiency and rib pain before. I wonder if your pain is related to that? I have my first bone scan coming up. My ribs/chest hurts because of rads, I believe. Hope the pain and spot goes away.

[europa]

Had the same thing. Turned out it was a fabulous side effect to Tamoxifen mixed with my osteopenia.